The 2017 Skoda Octavia vRS has been unveiled with a host of sporty elements.

2017 Skoda Octavia vRS
The 2017 Octavia vRS comes with a redesigned front fascia

Skoda has unveiled the 2017 Octavia vRS with a host of new features. The new Skoda Octavia vRS gets a new front fascia with new fully adaptive headlights and redesigned bumper. The rear has also got quite a few changes which gives the car a sporty appeal. The side profile is rather unchanged but Skoda has plonked in new alloys.

The new model’s 2.0 litre TSI petrol engine is rated at 230 HP which is an increase of 10 HP over the previous model. The torque output remains unchanged at 350 Nm. The diesel variant continues with 184 HP of power and 380 Nm of torque. The TSI trim sprints from 0-100 km/hr in 6.7 seconds while the diesel does the same in 7.9 seconds. The petrol model has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/hr. On the other hand, the diesel tops out at 232 km/hr.

The petrol trim is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, optionally with a 6-speed DSG. The diesel on the other hand, is available in front-wheel drive (manual or 6-speed DSG) or 4×4-wheel drive with a 6-speed DSG gearbox. Progressive steering, Performance Mode Select with Performance Sound Generator (optional), ESC with electronic cross barrier XDS+ and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) add to the driving pleasure of the new Skoda Octavia vRS.

On the inside, the Octavia vRS is equipped with vRS sport seats, Alcantara upholstery, multi-function sports steering wheel, ambient lighting, illuminated door handle recesses and aluminium pedals. Additionally as part of Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, an umbrella under the passenger seat and a removable LED lamp in the boot can be found.

In addition to getting more power, the rear track has been widened by 30 mm and the suspension lowered by 15 mm. It will have an option of 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels. The vRS has three drive modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport. On the safety front, Skoda has fitted the vRS with trailer assist, blind spot detect and rear traffic alert. Additional safety features include crew protect assist function, which closes the windows, sunroof and tightens the seat belts if an imminent crash is detected.

Skoda is likely to launch the Octavia vRS in India in the first quarter of 2017 and we can expect it to be priced at a premium of a couple of lakhs over the regular Octavia. For those who love the Octavia but want more performance out of it, the vRS makes for a really good choice.

2017 Skoda Octavia vRS

– Petrol version produces 10 HP more
– Comes with a host of driver assistance systems
– It is the most powerful Octavia till date in the petrol guise

2017 Skoda Octavia vRS Interior
Interior layout remains unchanged but a lot of sporty bits have been added
Skoda Octavia vRS Facelift
The Octavia vRS will be launched in India in the first quarter of 2017